Ledin: Channel League could accept up to three more schools

That's one of the key questions for the next high school releaguing cycle. Or, more precisely, what will the Channel League look like for the 2014-2018 sports calendar?

The five-team circuit now features Buena, Ventura, Dos Pueblos, San Marcos and Santa Barbara.

It turns out league administrators would prefer to maintain the status quo — with one important change.

"We'd like to add another school," said Dave Hess, the Ventura High athletic director. "In terms of scheduling and our league seasons, at least one more school would be a nice addition."

It may well be more than one newcomer that joins the Channel League.

"We're not opposed to having, say, an eight-team league," said Hess. "I know the Marmonte League says that having eight teams can be a disadvantage, particularly in getting playoff spots, but for us it would be a welcome change.

"We've been a five-team league for awhile."

Hess said the five existing teams maintain an easy rapport.

"We all know each other," he said. "We all get along. We'd definitely like to stay together."

There have been rumors that the league's three Santa Barbara entries might end up joining a league toward the north inside the Northern Area. But Hess said that wouldn't be a first choice.

"One advantage now is that we all have sports at three levels (frosh-soph, junior varsity, varsity)," said Hess. "That might not be the case if they joined another league."

So who could enter the Channel League?

It could be Oxnard or Pacifica or Rio Mesa. Or all three.

"We think those schools make a lot of sense," said Hess.

It could even be a school or two from the current Marmonte League, say, Royal and Simi Valley.

"It would be a farther drive," said Hess. "But the schools are similar to us."

Releaguing, of course, becomes the No. 1 topic in the CIF-Southern Section over the next six months. Tough decisions will be on the docket.

One proposed format that is gaining steam could be the creation of a football-only association for county schools.

It's similar to the current setup in the Tri-County Athletic Association, where schools are placed in the upper-tier Tri-Valley League or the lower-level Frontier League based on competitive success.

For example, Westlake, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo and Ventura might end up in the upper grouping for two seasons. Other association members would go into the lower circuit.

One important issue to be resolved would be the disposition of playoff spots, and how might they be divided.

Stay tuned.

Marmonte report

The Marmonte League's decision to charge admission this school year for all sports contested inside a stadium or enclosed gates has been deemed a success by league administrators.

In the winter season, for example, admission fees are charged for soccer and girls water polo for the first time. The cost is nominal: $5 for adults and $3 for children.

Royal Athletic Director Andy Andreolli said the league is pleased with the results.

"There were some grumblings from fans in the fall season, but not much," he said. "The important thing is that we've been able to cover our costs for games, and that's has helped our programs a lot."

Costs for officials and game-site staffing, for example, have been paid for by admission fees.

Track and field will be among the sports where fees will be collected in the spring season. Baseball and softball remain free because the fields are open and there are no admission gates.